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Abstract

This article explores the ambient affect of contemporary nihilism through a conjunctural analysis of key image macros from the ‘nihilist meme’ stash. Drawing from Berlant’s theory of cruel optimism, the author identifies an active form of nihilism unique to the present moment that suggests a loosening of traditional American cruel attachments to open new possibilities for what it means to live a good life.

Keywords

affect FoMO (fear of missing out)memes nihilism social media

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Precarity,nihilism,and grace

Abstract

Keywords

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